22 January 2000
Didn't do too much today. Mostly seen the major attractions
around here, I think.
Went on an art studio crawl this morning, visiting all the
galleries we could find - except Pro Hart's (the bugger charges
$4.00 just to go into his gallery, so we didn't). Didn't like
anything much by the big names (and their work is over priced in
my opinion). However there was some very nice stuff by the
lesser-known artists, and their prices were much more reasonable
as well. Afterwards went out to the Pinnacles mine but it was
closed - tours are by arrangement. The mine is named after three
tall, sharp narrow peaks called The Pinnacles which rise abruptly
out of the flat surrounding plain like three boils. 4WDrove up
the greater part of two of them - good fun, but Lorraine
windy.
Went out to the Airport early this afternoon and toured the
flying doctor base - very interesting. Later in the afternoon
went out to Silverton again. On the way called in to have a look
at the Day Dream mine, but the people there were just closing up
to go into town. Pity, as it looked interesting. Went through the
opal and mineral shop at Silverton. God, how much stuff they've
got. Apart from the usual collections of minerals, opals, old
bottles, etc. they have the biggest and most diverse collection
of all types of old farm and other equipment I have ever seen:
old donkey engines, drays and carts, saddles, harness and other
tack, cooking equipment and utensils - all sorts of things.
The late afternoon we spent at the Silverton cemetery. This is a
most beautifully eerie spot with the white headstones and rusty
ironwork spread out randomly (but all lying in a west (heads)
east (feet) direction) in a setting of red dust, grey saltbush
and the wind moaning softly all the while. Took a lot of
photographs in the golden late afternoon light and waited for the
moon to rise to take some more, but it was too late in coming up
so came back to BH. Had pizza for tea.
Won't do too much tomorrow: wash clothes, wash ute, clean out
ute, repack and load gear ready for Monday morning getaway to the
Flinders Ranges in SA.